Deep energy retrofit
Encyclopedia
A deep energy retrofit is a building retrofit approach that uses integrative design to improve the economics of efficiency and achieve much larger energy savings than conventional energy retrofits
. Deep energy retrofits can be applied to both residential and non-residential (“commercial”) buildings. A deep energy retrofit typically results in savings of 30 percent or more, perhaps spread over several years, and may significantly improve the building value.
The term "deep energy retrofit" is often used interchangeably with "deep green retrofit" and "deep retrofit". A deep green retrofit may have less focus on energy efficiency and may emphasize obtaining certification from a green building rating system, such as LEED
. The definition of the term continues to be refined and debated.
Deep energy retrofits achieve much greater energy efficiency by taking a whole-building approach, addressing many systems at once. It is most economical and convenient to take this approach on buildings with overall poor efficiency performance, with multiple systems nearing the end of useful life, and perhaps other reasons.
Durability, good interior air quality and energy efficiency are attained by sound building science practices. In a deep energy retrofit, filling a wall cavity with effective insulation also requires careful consideration of how that wall will dry if moisture does happen to get past its skin. Using very high R-value insulation systems on the exterior of the building enclosure is often one of the hallmarks of a deep energy retrofit. Where exactly the dewpoint will fall in (or out) of those thickened walls—and in what climate zone—becomes crucial. Careful detailing, flashing and air sealing of windows and other building penetrations is also key to a successful deep energy retrofit.
Systems thinking is required for these kinds of retrofits, where highly efficient windows are "tuned" to their orientation, and mechanical systems and heat recovery ventilation
units are sized and integrated with how the walls, roof and basement are being air sealed, moisture-managed and insulated.
, as defined by ASHRAE, is required in order to complete a commercial building deep energy retrofit. Also known as an investment grade audit, this type of energy audit features analysis of the interactions between efficiency strategies and their life cycle cost
. Upon selection and implementation of measures, the energy savings are verified using the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol.
and the building energy efficiency ratings described at BuildingRating.org.
Common owner related benefits include:
Common benefits to tenants include:
is undergoing a deep energy retrofit process that is projected to be completed in 2013. Upon completion, the project team, consisting of representatives from Johnson Controls
, Rocky Mountain Institute
, Clinton Climate Initiative, Jones Lang LaSalle
, and NYSERDA will have achieved an annual energy use reduction of 38% and $4.4 million.
A notable achievement of the project is that instead of replacing the chillers as originally planned, the design team were able to first reduce the building’s required cooling capacity by 1600 tons, allowing for a chiller retrofit instead of replacement which would have been $17.3 million more in capital costs.
is an historic high-rise office building located in Denver. Projected to be completed in 2013 with LEED
platinum status. Upon completion, the 494000 square feet (45,894.1 m²) building will have reduced it’s energy usage by over 60%
Green retrofit
Green retrofit, home energy retrofit, home retrofit, Deep energy retrofit and home performance retrofit are terms with overlapping meaning for retrofits that ensure the maintenance and preservation of buildings and the continued operation and maintenance of energy efficiency technologies...
. Deep energy retrofits can be applied to both residential and non-residential (“commercial”) buildings. A deep energy retrofit typically results in savings of 30 percent or more, perhaps spread over several years, and may significantly improve the building value.
The term "deep energy retrofit" is often used interchangeably with "deep green retrofit" and "deep retrofit". A deep green retrofit may have less focus on energy efficiency and may emphasize obtaining certification from a green building rating system, such as LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design consists of a suite of rating systems for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, homes and neighborhoods....
. The definition of the term continues to be refined and debated.
Deep Energy v. Conventional Energy Retrofits
Conventional energy retrofits focus on isolated system upgrades (i.e. lighting and HVAC equipment). These retrofits are generally simple and fast, but they often miss opportunity for saving more energy cost-effectively.Deep energy retrofits achieve much greater energy efficiency by taking a whole-building approach, addressing many systems at once. It is most economical and convenient to take this approach on buildings with overall poor efficiency performance, with multiple systems nearing the end of useful life, and perhaps other reasons.
Energy Efficiency Measures
A deep energy retrofit combines energy efficiency measures such as energy efficient equipment, air sealing, moisture management, controlled ventilation, insulation, and solar control so that dramatic energy savings are achieved alongside optimal building performance.Durability, good interior air quality and energy efficiency are attained by sound building science practices. In a deep energy retrofit, filling a wall cavity with effective insulation also requires careful consideration of how that wall will dry if moisture does happen to get past its skin. Using very high R-value insulation systems on the exterior of the building enclosure is often one of the hallmarks of a deep energy retrofit. Where exactly the dewpoint will fall in (or out) of those thickened walls—and in what climate zone—becomes crucial. Careful detailing, flashing and air sealing of windows and other building penetrations is also key to a successful deep energy retrofit.
Systems thinking is required for these kinds of retrofits, where highly efficient windows are "tuned" to their orientation, and mechanical systems and heat recovery ventilation
Heat recovery ventilation
Heat recovery ventilation, also known as HRV, mechanical ventilation heat recovery, or MVHR, is an energy recovery ventilation system using equipment known as a heat recovery ventilator, heat exchanger, air exchanger, or air-to-air heat exchanger which employs a counter-flow heat exchanger between...
units are sized and integrated with how the walls, roof and basement are being air sealed, moisture-managed and insulated.
Process
A Level III energy auditEnergy audit
An energy audit is an inspection, survey and analysis of energy flows for energy conservation in a building, process or system to reduce the amount of energy input into the system without negatively affecting the output.-Principle:...
, as defined by ASHRAE, is required in order to complete a commercial building deep energy retrofit. Also known as an investment grade audit, this type of energy audit features analysis of the interactions between efficiency strategies and their life cycle cost
. Upon selection and implementation of measures, the energy savings are verified using the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol.
Tools
Deep energy retrofits make use of energy modeling tools such as eQUEST and life cycle cost analysis tools that integrate with an organization’s pro forma or other financial decision making mechanisms.Ratings
A building that has undergone a deep energy retrofit is well positioned for a green building rating such as LEEDLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design consists of a suite of rating systems for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, homes and neighborhoods....
and the building energy efficiency ratings described at BuildingRating.org.
Benefits
There have been a number of studies done to determine and quantify the benefits afforded to owners, tenants, and various other stakeholders from the successful completion of deep energy retrofits.Common owner related benefits include:
- reduced costs through energy savings
- higher rent premiums
- increased occupancy rates
- marketing and public relationsPublic relationsPublic relations is the actions of a corporation, store, government, individual, etc., in promoting goodwill between itself and the public, the community, employees, customers, etc....
value - improved community stature.
Common benefits to tenants include:
- increased productivity
- higher retail sales
- reduced employee sick days
- enhanced ability to attract and retain employees
- improved community stature
- reduced churn
- higher student test scores
The Empire State Building
The Empire State BuildingEmpire State Building
The Empire State Building is a 102-story landmark skyscraper and American cultural icon in New York City at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street. It has a roof height of 1,250 feet , and with its antenna spire included, it stands a total of 1,454 ft high. Its name is derived...
is undergoing a deep energy retrofit process that is projected to be completed in 2013. Upon completion, the project team, consisting of representatives from Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls, Inc. is a company, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. It was founded in 1885 by professor Warren S. Johnson, inventor of the first electric room thermostat....
, Rocky Mountain Institute
Rocky Mountain Institute
Rocky Mountain Institute is an organization in the United States dedicated to research, publication, consulting, and lecturing in the general field of sustainability, with a special focus on profitable innovations for energy and resource efficiency. RMI was established in 1982 and has grown into a...
, Clinton Climate Initiative, Jones Lang LaSalle
Jones Lang LaSalle
Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. is a multinational financial and professional services company specializing in real estate. Global headquarters are located in Chicago, with an operational remit covering the Americas regional market...
, and NYSERDA will have achieved an annual energy use reduction of 38% and $4.4 million.
A notable achievement of the project is that instead of replacing the chillers as originally planned, the design team were able to first reduce the building’s required cooling capacity by 1600 tons, allowing for a chiller retrofit instead of replacement which would have been $17.3 million more in capital costs.
The Indianapolis City-County Building
The City-County Building recently underwent a deep energy retrofit process that is projected to be completed in September 2011. Upon completion, the project team, consisting of representatives from the Indianapolis Marion County Building Authority, Indianapolis Office of Sustainability, Rocky Mountain Institute, and Performance Services will have achieved an annual energy reduction of 46% and $750,000 annual energy savings.The Byron Rogers Federal Building
The Byron Rogers office buildingByron G. Rogers Federal Building and United States Courthouse
The Byron G. Rogers Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse is a historic building located in Denver, Colorado, which serves as a courthouse of the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. Completed in 1965, the building was renamed for Colorado Congressman Byron G. Rogers in 1984...
is an historic high-rise office building located in Denver. Projected to be completed in 2013 with LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design consists of a suite of rating systems for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, homes and neighborhoods....
platinum status. Upon completion, the 494000 square feet (45,894.1 m²) building will have reduced it’s energy usage by over 60%
Other Examples
A 2011 report by New Buildings Institute for BetterBricks, a Northwest Energy Efficient Alliance initiative, lists 50 commercial building retrofit projects that save at least 30% of the building energy using a whole-systems approach.See also
- Rocky Mountain InstituteRocky Mountain InstituteRocky Mountain Institute is an organization in the United States dedicated to research, publication, consulting, and lecturing in the general field of sustainability, with a special focus on profitable innovations for energy and resource efficiency. RMI was established in 1982 and has grown into a...
- Efficient Energy UseEfficient energy useEfficient energy use, sometimes simply called energy efficiency, is the goal of efforts to reduce the amount of energy required to provide products and services. For example, insulating a home allows a building to use less heating and cooling energy to achieve and maintain a comfortable temperature...
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental DesignLeadership in Energy and Environmental DesignLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design consists of a suite of rating systems for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, homes and neighborhoods....
- Zero Energy BuildingZero energy buildingA zero-energy building, also known as a zero net energy building, Net-Zero Energy Building , or Net Zero Building, is a popular term to describe a building with zero net energy consumption and zero carbon emissions annually. Zero energy buildings can be independent from the energy grid supply...
- Northwest Energy Efficiency AllianceNorthwest Energy Efficiency AllianceThe Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance is a non-profit organization working to maximize energy efficiency in the Pacific Northwest through the acceleration and adoption of energy-efficient products, services and practices. NEEA is supported by and works in partnership with more than 100...
- United States Department of EnergyUnited States Department of EnergyThe United States Department of Energy is a Cabinet-level department of the United States government concerned with the United States' policies regarding energy and safety in handling nuclear material...
- Energy Savings Performance ContractEnergy Savings Performance ContractEnergy Savings Performance Contracts are an alternative financing mechanism authorized by the United States Congress designed to accelerate investment in cost effective energy conservation measures in existing Federal buildings. ESPCs allow Federal agencies to accomplish energy savings projects...